Do Young People prefer Virtual Travel and Experiences to the Real Thing?

Travel is enriching and educational, but it is not without its problems. But it seems that it will be less of a problem in the future; young people appear less interested in it. Futurologist Ian Yeoman has seen the trend in Japan:

"What they've seen in the last ten years - because they've had deflation and also the Japanese consumer has gone inward - is that they're spending more now on in-home entertainment and technology rather than travelling the world. That's an indicator of what could happen."

Of course, this is from a man who also predicts that extreme Swedish ironing will be an Olympic Sport.Yeoman consulted to the Future Foundation on a report on the Future of Free Time for UK Travel site Lastminute.com. One group they identify are 'Go-Nowhere Gamers' who would rather socialise online and play games than explore the world. The Telegraph explains:

"Perhaps worryingly, a new generation will reject travel altogether in favour of gaming, social networking and 'always on' media. As in-home leisure is becoming more engaging, a group of young people will emerge who do not go out any more. Rather than travel, this group of Go-Nowhere-Gamers prefer to transfer their lives into the home, playing computer games and watching interactive 3D TV. They will find out-of-home activity too 'action-poor'."

Do Young People prefer Virtual Travel and Experiences to the Real Thing?

Travel is enriching and educational, but it is not without its problems. But it seems that it will be less of a problem in the future; young people appear less interested in it. Futurologist Ian Yeoman has seen the trend in